Belur and Halebid

Overview

Situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka, the twin towns of Belur and Halebid (about 16 km from each other) are favoured destinations for discerning travellers, historians, architecture lovers as well as art and crafts lovers. Belur and Halebid are linked with great Hoysala Kingdom of South India that was famous for its temple architecture. The Hoysala rulers have built a number of massive temples in the region of Belur and Halebid. Highlights of Hoysala period temples are exquisitely carved sculptures and pillars. Besides mythological tales, you can see the beautiful figures of elephants, lions, horses, dancing ladies on the temple walls.

Belur and Halebid

A visit to the towns of Belur and Halebid provides you a fine opportunity to see some of the finest old temples of India. In fact, the temples of the area have been proposed for listing in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. While Chennakeshava Temple complex is the prime attraction of Belur, Halebid is renowned for Hoysalehwara Temple complex. In addition to these, Sravanabelagola (Gomateshwara Temple), a noted Jain pilgrimage centre fascinate the visitors a lot. Plan a trip to the quaint towns of Belur and Halebid to enjoy a relaxing vacation and see architectural jewells of the bygone era. Make the city of Hassan your base to visit Belur and Halebid, as the district headquarters has plenty of good accommodation options.

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Kannada is widely spoken and used by the people of the towns. Basic English and Hindi are also spoken by the locals.

When to Go: The climate of Belur and Halebid usually remains pleasant most of the year expect the summers (April to May) when the mercury soars above 40 degree Celsius. The monsoon season brings rain in the towns during June to September. October to March is considered the best time to visit Belur and Halebid.

Local Transport: Generally tourists cover the temples and other attractions of Belur and Halebid on foot. Any defined mode of local transport such as auto-rickshaw is not available in these towns. Hire a private vehicle like car or taxi to explore the towns of Belur and Halebid.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Hassan district in the state of Karnataka

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore - 222 km away

Eating

Belur and Halebid are not dotted with luxury restaurants or noted fast food joints. You have to choose from whatever offered by the eateries of the temple towns. It is better to dine in Hassan city, where the eating joints offer South Indian dishes at reasonable rates. Rice is served as the main dish along with side dishes. If you don’t wish to savour South Indian dishes, then it is better for you to carry your own food.

Shopping

Shopping in Belur and Halebid revolves around locally manufactured objects including traditional crafts of Karnataka. You can find interesting items offered by temporary stalls or hawkers around the towns. Hassan en-route to Belur and Halebid is a fine place to buy curios, stone sculptures, terracotta items, silk sarees, sandalwood, ivory brassware and wooden toys. You can buy these items as souvenir for yourself or near and dear ones.

Sightseeing

Temples are the major attractions of the twin towns of Belur and Halebid that are known for their excellent architecture and exquisite sculptures. In fact, the temple art in Belur and Halebid war promoted by the rulers of Hoysala dynasty. Most of the temples in the towns and nearby areas were made from a special material called ‘steatite’ that is soft and easy to work. Although centuries have been passed since the construction of the temples, but even today they fascinate the visitors with their unparalleled beauty. Once you visit the temples of Belur and Halebid town, you will surely be amazed and would praise the brilliant works of artisans. The Chenakeshava Temple (Belur) along with Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebid) and the Jain monuments at Shravanabelagola have been proposed as world heritage sites to UNSECO.

You can begin your temple tour from any temple in Belur or Halebid as all will surely please you equally. However, it is better to start from Chennakeshava Temple complex in Belur that took around 103 years to get completed. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Chennakeshava Temple is noted for its intricate details, beautifully carved sculptures over the temple walls. You can also see the scenes from the great epics, sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas), lions, and horses and elephants fighting in war in detail on the temple stones. Inside the temple complex there are many ornate pillars including a popular attraction ‘Darpana Sundar’ (Lady with the mirror) carved on the walls of the temple. Besides the main temple, also visit other two small temples of Hoysalas, namely Virnarayan Temple and Chennigaraya Temple that also have intricate carvings as Chennakeshava Temple.

After covering the temples and major attractions of Belur, head towards the temple town of Halebid (16 km), which is equally popular and deserves a visit. Once the capital of the Hoysalas, Halebid is not well preserved like Belur and destroyed in the early 14th century by the Delhi Sultanate. Visit the Hoysalehwara Temple complex that houses Hoyasaleshawara and Kedareshwara temples. Hoysaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has two monolithic sculptures of Nandi bulls at the entrance. The temple dating back to the 1121 A.D is known for its sculptural details and wall carvings that describe tales from Hindu mythology. You will also find the impressive figures of dancing ladies (Shilabalikas), animals and birds on temple walls.

Close to the temple, Sravanabelagola (Gomateshwara Temple) also deserve a visit during Belur and Halebid trip. One of the famous Jain pilgrimage centre in South India, Gomateshwara Temple is set atop Indragiri hill (3,000 feet above sea level) and known for its colossal monolithic 57 feet high statue of Gomateshwara. You can reach the temple by climbing 614 rock-cut steps and enjoy a splendid view of the surroundings. The temple complex also has several small size images Jain tirthankaras (revered Jain teachers). In fact, there are 15 Jain bastis (temples) and mathas (monasteries) in the twin towns and on Chandragiri Hill.

Activities

Belur and Halebid are small historic towns and don’t have fun & amusement parks, entertainment centre or other happening places. However, you can pass leisure moments by taking walks along the tranquil streets of the towns. Also visit the temples and other attractions of these towns on foot. Spend hours in getting understating the architecture style of Hoysala temples including sculptures and delicate carvings.  

Events

Due to small population, the towns of Belur and Halebid celebrate very few festivals and events every year. However, the people in and around the towns celebrate most of religious as well as South Indian festivals. Basically a dance festival, Hoysala Mahotsava is organised against the magnificent backdrop of Hoyasala temples. Skilled dancers from the towns and nearby areas participate in dance performances. During the event a massive chariot is also pulled through the streets of Belur town, which is joined by thousands of people. Mahamastakabhishekam Festival is another noted festival of Belur and Halebid, which is held once in every 12 years at Gomateswara Temple. Locals bath the image of Gomateswara in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins during the festival.

Nightlife

Nightlife doesn’t exist in the towns of Belur and Halebid. Usually the twin towns get deserted as the dark progresses after sunset. So, don’t look for nightlife options in Belur and Halebid, and enjoy as much as possible in the broad day light.

Excursions

Along with base town Hassan, you can cover many popular cities of Karnataka during your Belur and Halebid tours. Mysore (155 km), Mangalore (165 km) and Bangalore (222 km) are some of the popular cities that you can explore by taking two to three days trips. All these cities have many places of tourist interesting including historic monuments and modern attractions as well.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airports from Belur and Halebid are located in Bangalore (222 km) and Mangalore (165 km). Both these airports are well-connected with major cities of India. From these airports, you can hire a private vehicle (taxi / car) to reach Belur and Halebid.

Rail: Hassan Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Belur and Halebid. Many trains connect Hassan Railway Station with Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore and other places of the country. Buses ply at regular intervals from Hassan to Belur and Halebid.

Road: Good roads connect Belur and Halebid with Hassan, a major city close to the twin towns. KSTDC (Karnataka State Transport Development Corporation) offers bus services to Hassan, Belur and Halebid from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore and other cities of Karnataka. You can also use Arasikere town as a base to visit Belur and Halebid towns. Besides buses, Belur and Halebid are easily accessible by cars and taxis from nearby major cities.

Driving directions: From Bangalore – Start from Brigade Road and after crossing Richmond Road, Fort Road hit Sri Narsimha Rao Road (SH 17). Further take the Mysore Road Flyover and move on Mysore Road (SH 17) till you reach Tumkur Road (NH 4). After crossing NH 48 and SH 57 you will reach Hassan, which located at close distance from Belur and Halebid (222 km, 6 hours approx).

From Mangalore – Begin your journey from NH 17 and take a turn on Falnir Road (NH 48). Take a left on NH 13 and further switch onto SH 58 to reach Belur and Halebid (165 km, 4 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Suitable for all types of travellers such as singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers and family with children

Top 5 Must See

Chennakeshava Temple: Built in 1117 AD by Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana the temple is filled with delicately carved sculptures of elephants, dancers and episodes from the epics.

Hoysaleshwara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva popular for its two shrines in the Linga, and exquisite figures of the sacred bull ‘Nandi’.

Gomateshwara Temple: One of the most popular pilgrimage centres of Jains in South India, known for the massive statue of Gomateswara and many smaller images of Jain tirthankaras.

Kappe Chennigraya Temple: Constructed by Shantaladevi, queen of King Vishuvardhana in Belur.

Virnarayan Temple and Chennigaraya Temple: Situated in Chennakeshava Temple complex, these temples have beautiful sculptures.